Gop Favors Corcoran To Run Against Dixon

November 16, 1985|By Steve Neal, Political writer.

Former U.S. Rep. Tom Corcoran (R., Ill.), who lost a 1984 primary contest to former Sen. Charles Percy, is now considered the leading GOP prospect to run against Sen. Alan Dixon (D., Ill.) next year, according to Republican strategists.

Lt. Gov. George Ryan said Thursday that he has also been approached by the National Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee, which is seeking a strong challenger to Dixon, and did not rule out the possibility that he might make the race if Gov. James Thompson asks him to do so.

Thompson, however, is unlikely to do that now that Corcoran has emerged as a willing contender.

Thompson and U.S. Sen. H. John Heinz III, chairman of the GOP Senate campaign committee, have both urged Corcoran to run.

Party officials are making a strong effort to field an alternative to State Rep. Judy Koehler (R., Henry), a little-known conservative who is given little chance against the popular Dixon.

Although Thompson had reportedly been interested in testing Ryan as a possible Senate contender, he is described by GOP officials as ``excited`` by the new prospect of a Corcoran candidacy.

If Corcoran runs for the Senate, Thompson has indicated, he wants to retain Ryan as his running-mate for lieutenant governor in the 1986 state election.

Ryan is scheduled to meet this week in Springfield with Tim Hyde of the national Senate campaign committee. ``I`m going to listen to what they have to say,`` the Kankakee Republican said.

Corcoran, who has a $250,000 debt remaining from his unsuccessful 1984 campaign, said this week he is seeking campaign-funding commitments from the GOP Senate campaign committee and others before deciding whether to run.

As leaders of both parties work to complete their 1986 slates, former Sen. Adlai Stevenson, now the only candidate for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination, is continuing his search for a running-mate.

Democratic sources said Thursday that Stevenson is giving serious consideration to State Sen. Vincent De Muzio of Carlinville, a prominent Downstate legislator.

Stevenson reportedly conferred Wednesday with two other possibilities for lieutenant governor--Ald. Martin Oberman (43d) and State Rep. Peggy Breslin

(D., Ottawa)--but made no commitment.

If Oberman isn`t picked for the No. 2 slot, the Lincoln Park alderman has indicated that he will remain in the contest for attorney general against incumbent Neil Hartigan, whose decision to withdraw from the race for governor this week assured Stevenson`s renomination for governor.